Those Brothers from Dagestan Making Their Mark in MMA and with Man Utd.

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he thinks about how his family's life has transformed since moving to England from Dagestan in 2017.

"I adore it here," the Professional Fighters League star states.

"My father and I always comment, 'this is the nation I should have been born in.'"

The 21-year-old departed his homeland in the Caucasus region of Russia because his father was convinced a move spanning more than 3,000 miles would provide superior professional opportunities for him and his brothers.

The initial plan was for Ibragim and his three brothers – Amir (17), Gazik (16), and Muhammad (15) – to finish their education before joining one of the country's colleges.

But, reality has turned out slightly distinct for the Ibragimov household.

Ibragim is now a professional MMA athlete and is regarded as one of the top talents in the PFL, a leading MMA league.

His brothers have taken a different path in sport and have each been signed by Manchester United – with Amir pushing for a spot in the first team.

"The primary thing for us is to squeeze the maximum out of our sports," explains Ibragim.

"I desire them to play for every one of the finest teams in the world. Now it is Man United, tomorrow it might be a another team."

Starting as Wrestlers to Football Talents

Situated in the south of Russia, Dagestan holds a mythical reputation among fight enthusiasts for generating a host of UFC titleholders in recent years.

The area has a rich tradition in wrestling, excelling in the combat sambo discipline and creating numerous Olympic and world winners.

This achievement is not a coincidence, however, as youth from the region are frequently encouraged to begin combat sports, particularly wrestling, practically as soon as they can stand.

"As a young, my dad was always telling me and my younger brothers that we had to be powerful, first to defend yourself, your relatives, and your friends," says Ibragim.

"Therefore we all got used to fighting, and which is why everyone knows how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

"Amir was a very good wrestler. You can see the transition from wrestling to football; obviously, it helped my little brothers a lot."

"Many of the footballers he comes up against don't have the same foundation he has. That's why he's stocky, strong and really competitive – due to wrestling."

Amir was just nine years old when he was being tested at Sheffield United. Not knowing of his actual age, coaches grouped him with boys significantly older.

He was unfazed by the oversight and was perfectly capable competing against older players thanks to his experience in wrestling.

"They thought Amir and I were the same age, so the story goes," remarks Ibragim.

Amir was recruited, together with Ibragim's younger brothers Gazik and Muhammad.

The clan's stay in South Yorkshire was short-lived, though, as only weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's ability and he transferred over the Pennines consequently.

"They played Manchester United in a competition and Amir netted a brilliant free-kick," says Ibragim.

"One of their talent spotters watched him play and selected him immediately."

Six years after signing for the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the youngest players in the club's records to train with the senior side when he did so in April 2023.

"Know what he told me? 'Here is where I belong'," Ibragim says.

"Is he able to be a first-team player for Manchester United? Without a doubt. They should allow all the youthful players play right now."

"In my opinion they would play less effectively than the current first-team players. I think the young guys are hungrier than the current squad members."

Since then, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger once on the books of Manchester City, have likewise made the move to Manchester United.

"Gazik, this youngster is gifted," continues Ibragim.

"He picked up every skill faster than the others. He's a solid defender. He's going to be similar to a new Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'The Dream' to Compete at the Theatre of Dreams

Ibragim has now moved to Manchester and spends most of his days honing his MMA skills at a local gym.

In August, he spent three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, assisting Islam Makhachev prepare for a November UFC championship bout.

"I would never have imagined I would be learning under Khabib," Ibragim says.

"He was the best fighter in the world – and we always used to look up to him when we were growing up."

"Today, I'm here in his gym and sparring alongside Islam Makhachev."

Recently working with two UFC titleholders from Dagestan, it is no surprise Ibragim says he is eager to claim a world title of his own someday.

However that does not prevent him from sometimes dreaming of representing United and stepping out on the hallowed turf at Old Trafford, similar to his brothers.

"I had a PlayStation at home and I constantly used to play as Man United, scoring with Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez," he recalls.

"Today, for my brothers to be Man United players, it's similar to a fantasy realized."

"A fight at Old Trafford? It's a goal for me. I was discussing with the PFL officials about it to see if they would make it happen. It would be huge."